Physics-Based MDAO Tool for CMC Blades and Vanes Conceptual Design

The proposed work entails developing a reliability analysis tool consistent with conceptual-level design for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) turbine blades and vanes. The analysis software will comprise a suite of physics-based discipline specific analysis code modules. The objective of this analysis tool is to develop optimal material properties, internal and external geometries for a cooled vane/blade using aerothermal, and structural (including creep) analyses.

Structural constraints in the form of allowable mechanical/thermal stresses and material constraints in the form of minimum wall thickness and minimum bend radius will be applied. The structural stress analysis will be augmented with a creep module to determine an estimate for part life. Shown in the figure below, the suggested benchmark system problem is a multi-disciplinary analysis of a PW Canada turbine vane where 3D versions of the discipline specific models will be taken from the open literature and implemented as plug-in modules for NASA’s Open MDAO framework. It is not the intention of this program to develop new MDAO architectures but rather the optimization drivers built into Open MDAO will be used.

N&R Engineering will be submitting a proposal for Phase II and hopefully, will be granted to continue working on this project beginning in 2016.